Volunteers wanted for family communication study

Researchers at the University of Queensland's Family Centre are investigating what makes the transition from childhood to adulthood more stressful in some families than others.

'A positive relationship with parents, including the use of constructive approaches to family disagreement, facilitates the transition from adolescence to adulthood,' Associate Professor Candi Peterson said.

'Conflict with parents can exert a beneficial influence on adolescent development when teenagers learn effective ways to resolve disagreements from interacting with their parents during conflict episodes.'

Dr Peterson said the Family Centre research team was seeking volunteers to participate in a study of parent-adolescent communication.

Researchers require single or two-parent families with at least two children. Only one child, aged between 12 and 16 years will be needed to accompany parents to a single short interview at the University of Queensland's St Lucia campus in out-of-school hours.

Families participating in the research will be offered $60 as compensation for time and travel costs and will also be eligible to attend a workshop titled Parents and adolescents communicating: Bridging the gap, free of charge.

People wanting more information can contact the Family Centre at telephone 07 3365 7293.